Simultaneous temperature and refractive index sensor based on an L-like Michelson interferometer.

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, temperature and refractive index (RI) sensing with a novel L-like Michelson interferometer (MI). Two MIs are designed based on single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF), respectively, fabricated via an oxyhydrogen flame and a rotatable platform. By comparative experiments on the size and bent degree of the sensor, the corresponding parameters of the sensor with excellent performance are determined for measurement experiments. The RI sensitivity of the SMF L-like MI reaches -131.0nm/RIU, and the highest temperature sensitivity is 94.17 pm/°C. The highest RI of the MMF L-like MI is 176.5 nm/RIU, and the temperature sensitivity is 104.2 pm/°C. The L-like MI has advantages of low cost and easy fabrication, and is a promising temperature and RI sensor in a wide range of measurements.